Property Accountants

A number of clients have been asking us how the GRA directors are voting in the election, and we are happy to be upfront about this. Of course everyone has different perspectives and priorities, so we are in no way telling you what to do. But if you’d like to know who we will vote for and why, read ... Continue reading 

With approximately 8000 relationships ending in NZ in 2017 (Statistics NZ), it is hardly surprising that the Family Court is bogged down, and it is taking far too long for people to access the courts in order to resolve relationship property disputes.  As it should be, the Family Court’s priority is the protection of children and related issues. Resolution ... Continue reading 

As many investors will already know, banks have been steadily tightening their lending criteria, making it more challenging to borrow. And soon, when the new capital requirement rules for banks come into effect next year, this is only going to get harder.  Capital requirements for the major banks will be increased from 10% to 18% over the next seven ... Continue reading 

Almost a year to the day since the Government announced rules to eliminate tax deductions on interest for property investors, the legislation has all but reached its final destination. In the last two weeks the Select Committee report on the first draft of the legislation has been released and amendments have been made to the first draft reflecting these ... Continue reading 

Ever have a property settlement about to go through and at the last minute your professional trustee has held up the game by asking pesky questions like “Why are you buying this?” or “Is this the right entity to be buying it in?”  What about those times when you’re arranging a simple re-finance and just when everything seems to ... Continue reading 

It is a requirement in New Zealand for parties to provide their IRD numbers when buying or selling real estate (whether as an individual or through another entity such as a company or trust). Normally this does not pose any sort of problem. However, there will be significant issues if you are selling a property that has been generating ... Continue reading 

It’s that time of year when businesses look to reward their staff and clients by hosting Christmas parties, giving gifts, and paying bonuses.Some of these costs may be fully deductible, some may be 50% tax deductible, and others subject to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) or PAYE deductions. To help your business stay on the right side of the Christmas ... Continue reading 

As property tax and structuring specialists, one of the most common questions we encounter at GRA is whether to set up a look-through company (LTC) to hold investment property. The answer, more often than not, has shifted over the years to no. LTCs, once considered a go-to option for property investors, have seen their appeal diminish significantly in recent years. ... Continue reading 

When it comes to building wealth, do you put your hard-earned coins into property, shares, bonds or something else that is going to grow your wealth?  The decision we make, whilst ultimately a personal one, is influenced greatly by historic events that have affected our economy, current political policies in operation, legislation we have on our books, and naturally, ... Continue reading 

For a while it appeared that the introduction of the 60% LVR rule for investors would make the property market easier for first home buyers. However, as per this article in the Herald and these statistics from the Reserve Bank, first home buyers are finding it difficult as well.The 60% LVR rules have certainly made it much harder for ... Continue reading 

Choosing the right real estate agent can make a big difference to your selling experience, and to your bottom line. A knowledgeable real estate agent can make you a lot of money. On the other hand, if you don't have a good agent, you can unnecessarily lose a lot of money. I am frustrated to have heard stories about ... Continue reading